Cylindrical 21700 High-Power Cell
LG Chem M53L
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 5.1 Ah capacity with 261 Wh/kg energy density and 15.3 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem M53L is a lithium-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and competitive energy storage. With the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 5.1 Ah capacity and 18.5 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.66 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 15.3 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime.
Key Features
High discharge rate: 15.3 A continuous (3.0 C)
Charging rate: 2.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 261 Wh/kg
Power density: 789 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
21700M53L
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
Nominal voltage
3.66
Energy capacity [Wh]
18.5
Capacity [Ah]
5.1
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
261
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
789
Max continuous discharge [A]
15.3
Volume [cm³]
24.84
Mass [g]
71
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem M53L is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 form factor and high power performance.
Aviation: Requires high specific energy for extended flight duration, high power-to-weight ratio for climb performance, and reliable operation across wide temperature ranges at altitude.
Motorsports: Demands sustained high discharge under competitive load profiles, rapid transient response for acceleration, and thermal stability to maintain performance during race conditions.
E-Mobility: Requires balanced energy and power density for range and acceleration, high cycle life for daily use, and robust calendar life to ensure long-term reliability.
General Applications: Suitable for applications requiring reliable lithium-ion performance with proven cycle life, consistent capacity delivery, and operational safety across diverse use cases.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the LG Chem M53L across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
The LG Chem M53L constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.
Constant Current Temperature
The LG Chem M53L constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.
Pulse Power Behaviour
The LG Chem M53L pulse power map evaluates short-duration load responses, allowing engineers to determine the maximum available power as a function of state of charge and temperature.
Dynamic Profile Response
The LG Chem M53L mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.
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Case Studies
See how we helped McMurtry reduce cell evaluation time by 70% through data driven testing and modelling.
Motorsports
McMurtry Automotive: Faster cell evaluation
McMurtry Automotive used The Voltt and validated cell models to evaluate the transition from the Molicel P45B to P50B during early pack concept development.
Side by side modelling enabled rapid comparison of electrical and thermal behaviour, avoiding lengthy physical test campaigns. This approach reduced cell evaluation time by seven months, allowing the team to lock in cell selection and pack assumptions earlier while lowering technical risk and accelerating vehicle development.
Comparison with Related Cells
Compare the LG Chem M53L with similar Cylindrical 21700 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
LG Chem
LG Chem is South Korea's largest chemical and battery materials company
LG Energy Solution (formerly LG Chem Battery Division) is one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers, producing premium 21700 cells for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Their advanced cell technology delivers industry-leading energy density, safety, and cycle life performance. LG supplies major global automakers including General Motors, Tesla, and Hyundai with cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic battery formats. With manufacturing facilities spanning South Korea, China, Poland, and the United States, LG Energy Solution maintains strict quality standards and continuous innovation in battery chemistry. Their 21700 cells incorporate proprietary NCMA cathode materials and safety features, making them a preferred choice for premium electric vehicle applications worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the LG Chem M53L?
The LG Chem M53L has a nominal capacity of 5.1 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.66 V, providing 18.5 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem M53L?
The LG Chem M53L supports continuous discharge rates up to 15.3 A, delivering a power density of 789 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem M53L weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 71 g and a volume of 24.84 cm³.
In which industries is the LG Chem M53L commonly used?
The LG Chem M53L is used across aviation, motorsports, e-mobility, applications that demand high power delivery and reliable performance across demanding duty cycles.
What is The Voltt and how does it accelerate cell evaluation?
The Voltt is About Energy's digital cell simulation platform that models electrochemical and thermal performance, reducing evaluation time by up to 70% compared to laboratory testing.
What data can be extracted using The Voltt?
Engineers can simulate and visualise voltage, temperature, and power responses under constant-current or mission-profile conditions, generating detailed discharge plots to support accurate cell comparison and validation.
